Chapter 699: Mei Gongzi Arrives

The figure was actually formed from the red mist, and as soon as it fully materialized, Tang San saw numerous brilliant, shining points of light appear around it.

Tang San narrowed his eyes slightly as the Lion-Tiger Transformation erupted, and the platinum-white Lion-Tiger Golden Force instantly spread across his body.

In the next moment, beams of golden-red light shot out from the red figure.

Dozens of beams, each one equivalent to a full-strength attack from a peak ninth-order Scorching Sunflower, covered all of Tang San's possible escape routes in an instant.

But Tang San had no intention of dodging. Instead, his eyes gleamed brightly as he traced circles with his hands in front of him, the Lion-Tiger Golden Force forming a white vortex to forcibly block the onslaught of golden-red beams.

Fierce!

This was pure yang energy, scorching and domineering. If the terrifying fire toxin it contained invaded his body, the destruction it would cause would be utterly devastating.

But Tang San maintained control. Within the circles drawn by his hands, the golden-red beams shattered one by one, transforming into golden-red halos that, under his guidance, merged into his body.

This was the purest form of yang energy.

The assault of the golden-red beams lasted for over ten seconds before gradually subsiding. By then, the surface of Tang San's Lion-Tiger Golden Force had been covered with a layer of golden-red light.

With the attack over, the red figure quietly dissipated. This was undoubtedly the most challenging of the sacred mountains Tang San had ever climbed. Such a trial would be nearly impossible for an ordinary demon or nymph to withstand even if they were at the tenth order! Only a fire-attribute powerhouse with a first-tier bloodline could have a chance of resisting it below the god level.

Yet Tang San had absorbed all of this energy into his body, condensing it into a golden-red orb within him. Only through the forceful control of his spiritual power was he able to suppress it, preventing an immediate explosion.

What was that red figure? He had a good idea now. After standing in place and observing things for a moment, Tang San decided not to continue climbing. Instead, he turned around and began descending the mountain.

A deep voice echoed at that moment, "You've already passed. Why not continue?"

Tang San turned around and slightly bowed toward the Sunborne Sacred Mountain. "I'm still lacking. I am not confident in passing the next test. I'll go back, improve myself further, and then return once more."

After saying this, he bowed once more and then quickly made his way down the mountain.

Sunborne Palace.

A large golden-red flower swayed gracefully, and a deep voice muttered, "A strange feeling—was that a devouring force? Not fire-attribute... It seems like fate was obscured? Hmm... Is this another one of that old fox's tricks? But if it was, why didn't he continue? Strange, strange."

Tang San quickly descended the mountain, suppressing the residual pure yang energy in his body, then slipped into the carriage, instructing the driver to head to the next target.

What was that red figure that had attacked him? It was likely a ninth-order projection of the Sunborne Nymph Emperor!

This sacred mountain wasn't designed to generate wealth but to genuinely enhance the abilities of the Sunborne Nymph Emperor's people. It was also meant to find his future successor among the young nymphs with exceptional talent. That was why the trials were so difficult.

What Tang San absorbed was the energy of a peak ninth-order projection of the Sunborne Nymph Emperor. This energy was derived from the Emperor's bloodline, and Tang San couldn't be happier. Where else could he find such high-quality bloodline energy?

Thanks to him using the ninth-order Discerning Eye of Heaven to conceal himself, even the Sunborne Nymph Emperor couldn't fully discern Tang San's state, since he was nothing more than a projection.

With his goal achieved, why stay any longer?

That was why Tang San had left immediately. He didn't dare continue climbing. The Sunborne Nymph Emperor gave him a feeling akin to a dormant volcano. The divine consciousness of an Emperor was formidable, and although Tang San's own divine consciousness had improved, he wasn't sure whether he could fully conceal himself from an Emperor.

The next destination: Earthshade Sacred Mountain!

With the experience from the Sunborne Sacred Mountain, Tang San speculated that the situation at Earthshade Sacred Mountain would likely be similar. And after Earthshade, he had two more Sacred Mountains to visit. The last one would mark the end of his preparations.

***

"City Lord, we are about to enter the Ancestral Court's domain. We will descend to the ground to continue forward."

"Alright," Mei Gongzi responded from within the carriage.

Finally, she had arrived, and her trial was about to begin. She couldn't help but feel a bit nervous—after all, how could she not be? This time, on the surface at least, her report to the Ancestral Court was a battle she had to fight alone. Even

he

wasn't by her side. Though she knew full well that his absence was in her best interest, she still felt uneasy. After all, she was still young, and this was the first time she had faced a situation like this.

The last time she had come to the Ancestral Court, she had been the center of attention, but she was facing peers from the young generation at the time. This time, however, she would be under the scrutiny of the Emperors themselves.

By the time Mei Gongzi's carriage descended to the ground, a welcoming party had already arrived to greet her.

The welcoming party consisted of the Ancestral Court's guards, yet there were no high-ranking officials, not even a single Demon King.

Mei Gongzi didn't step out of the carriage; she simply ordered the driver to proceed into the Ancestral Court.

Is this an attempt to intimidate me? Hmph.

Mei Gongzi's gaze turned calm, and her nervousness gradually faded. She was the type of person who became more composed when facing challenges and difficulties. The Ancestral Court's attitude only kindled a fighting spirit within her.

Led by the Ancestral Court's guards, the flying carriage proceeded into the city. Since flying wasn't allowed inside the city walls, their pace was slow.

Mei Gongzi lifted the curtain and looked at the place she was

officially

visiting for the second time, now feeling somewhat familiar with it. She pressed the communicator—a smaller model attached to her ear—and initiated a call.

The call quickly connected, and she could immediately feel herself relaxing.

A familiar voice came from the other side.

—Have you arrived?

"Yes," Mei Gongzi replied softly, "How are things on your end?"

—Everything is going according to plan. So far, so good.

"That's good. Once I reach the Ancestral Court's Elder Council, I might not be able to talk to you as often. Be careful," Mei Gongzi advised.

—Alright, don't worry. You be careful too.

Tang San's voice was steady and gentle.

Mei Gongzi was silent for a moment before she said, "I miss you."

Perhaps it was the pressure she was about to face, but at this moment, she truly wished he were by her side. Hearing his voice only intensified her longing for him, like a geyser bursting forth.

Tang San could sense Mei Gongzi's emotional turmoil even through the communicator.

—I miss you too. Trust me, when I appear before you again, no matter who the opponent is, I will have the strength to protect you.

"Mm-hmm. As long as you're safe and sound, that's all that matters. Don't worry about me. Worst case, I won't be the city lord anymore, but at least my grandfather will make sure I'm safe."

Before coming, they had already carefully analyzed all the issues they would face when reporting for duty and the possible situations that might arise.

The first thing they considered, of course, was the worst possible outcome. For Mei Gongzi, the worst outcome would naturally be failing the report, which would result in her being stripped of her position as city lord and even being placed under arrest in the Ancestral Court.

However, with the White Tiger Demon Emperor as Mei Gongzi's grandfather, the other Emperors would more or less show some respect. After all, no one wanted to be enemies with the White Tiger Demon Emperor, even those ranked higher than him. And based on his previous attitude toward Mei Gongzi, it was certain that he would step in on her behalf when it mattered.

Thus, Mei Gongzi's safety was actually well-assured. The White Tiger Demon Emperor would have no trouble protecting her.

This was also why Tang San felt at ease letting her come on her own.